Interior Minister proposes mandatory drug tests for job seekers

Minister for the Interior Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has proposed the introduction of mandatory drug tests as a requirement for employment in both the public and private sectors as part of efforts to tackle substance abuse in the country.

According to him, addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

The minister made the proposal while delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 25.

"Introduce an executive order that makes mandatory drug tests as a pre-employment requisite for entry into the public service and the private sector to safeguard institutional integrity, promote workplace safety and deter drug use among the youth and working population," he stated.

Mr. Mubarak called on Parliament to support government efforts aimed at strengthening the country's fight against illicit drugs and substance abuse.

Among the measures proposed by the minister are increased budgetary allocations to the Narcotics Control Commission to improve intelligence gathering, interception capabilities and forensic analysis.

He also advocated stronger regulation of precursor chemicals and pharmaceutical supply chains to prevent the diversion and abuse of substances such as tramadol.

The Interior Minister further proposed the establishment of at least one national rehabilitation centre in every region to provide treatment and support for persons suffering from substance use disorders.

Mr. Mubarak additionally called for the expansion of drug education and demand reduction programmes in schools, communities and workplaces, particularly targeting young people who remain vulnerable to substance abuse.

He stressed that drug addiction should increasingly be viewed as a public health challenge rather than solely a criminal issue, noting that affected persons require treatment and rehabilitation alongside enforcement measures.

"Effective drug control is not solely a law enforcement matter. It demands a whole of government and a whole of society approach that integrates enforcement with prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation," he stressed.